| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 260 | 3.6g | 0.6g | 49g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 1.7g | 6g | 0.92g |
A marriage of bold Mediterranean flavors and a twist of my Pacific Northwest roots, there’s not much to not love about the Greek Lemon Dill Rice. As the name suggests, the dish captures the true essence of Greek cuisine but introduces an unexpected burst of freshness with the addition of seasonal fruits. This recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites, not just for the ambrosial palette of flavors that it presents but also for its remarkable health benefits. 
The Appeal of Greek Lemon Dill Rice
The appeal of Greek Lemon Dill Rice goes beyond its tantalizing taste profile. It sets itself apart from the plain rice dishes, adopting vibrant hues with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a medley of ripe, luscious fruits. Each delicately crafted grain exudes a zingy fragrance that loves to play with your senses, teasing and tempting you to dig in.
While staying loyal to the authenticity of traditional Greek cuisine, I’ve incorporated a hint of my own heritage into the recipe. The addition of fresh seasonal fruits, in my experience, lifts the dish to an exciting new level, making it rather reminiscent of a Japanese Chirashi–a sushi dish typically served with varied fresh ingredients, including an array of fish and colorful fruits.
Loving the Health Elements
Besides the captivating draw of its flavors, Greek Lemon Dill Rice also boasts some notable health benefits. Lemon, with its high Vitamin C content, bolsters your body’s natural defenses while dill, a lesser-known health hero, can aid in digestion and provide relief from insomnia, hiccups, diarrhea, dysentery, menstrual disorders, and respiratory disorders. The inclusion of ripe, antioxidant-rich fruits adds another layer of health benefits, making this dish a true winner in all respects.
Recreating this dish in your kitchen is a lovely way of injecting a touch of the Mediterranean into the comfort of your own home. And coupling it with a traditional Greek salad or succulent pieces of grilled chicken can make this vibrant, health-boosting offering a complete meal. You’ll find all the details you need to master the Greek Lemon Dill Rice recipe right here.
Indulge in the vibrant color and taste of the Greek Lemon Dill Rice, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself surrendering to its splendid charm, just as I have.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup of mixed fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, this should take about 5-10 minutes.
Step Two
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Step Three
Stir the uncooked long grain rice into the saucepan. Mix well, ensuring all the grains of rice are coated in the oil. Sauté the rice for 2 minutes.
Step Four
Pour in the chicken broth to the pot and stir well. Bring the heat down to medium-low and let it come to a simmer.
Step Five
Add the grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper into the saucepan. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Step Six
Cover the saucepan and let the rice cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the chicken broth.
Step Seven
Once the rice is done, fluff it gently with a fork. Toss in the mixed fresh fruits and stir well to incorporate. Serve the Greek Lemon Dill Rice hot and enjoy!
